A major challenge with international living are the unclear rating systems for films, video games etc. Expectations of violence, bad language and inappropriate footage varies from family to family and it is difficult to get a non-biased view. Of course, your child/tween/teen/young adult will say ‘all the other kids are doing it’ but it is essential that you, the parents, are ultimately making the right decisions for your family. Common Sense Media is a great all round resource for teachers, parents and students. One of the many highlights is the ‘reviews’ section; reliable reviews of videos, apps, games and websites evaluated by other parents with a consistent approach to ratings – so you can make an informed decision. So next time your son or daughter asks to play the latest video game or watch the latest blockbuster, check out Common Sense Media Reviews to help make good choices for your family.

Don't get me wrong - I love, live and breath technology. I am a tech specialist and my role is to find ways to transform and redefine (SAMR Model - see right) technology use in learning. But there are other things in life and I believe that striking a balance - for the entire family - is essential.There are so many great sites to support you in responsible use of technology - check out the links on the right sidebar for more amazing resources.

We are surrounded by cellphones, TV's, laptops, tablets and gaming consoles. We are consuming that technology like never before - to stay connected, to keep in touch, to communicate and to socialise. We recognise that this is different from when we were young and therefore we are able to USUALLY (with exceptions - anyone played Candy Crush!?) separate ourselves and maintain some semblance of balance.

Our children are different. They know no different.

Their role models - including parents, peers and celebrities - are using using technology all the time and children see this as normal. Without boundaries and guidance these 'digital natives' will struggle to find a balance.

SO how do we - as good parents - manage this? Here are my suggestions - things that I strive (it's not easy!) to follow with my son & daughter:

1. SET EXPECTATIONS THAT APPLY TO THE WHOLE FAMILY

Different rules for different members of the family will not work. Any expectations have to be agreed upon by parents and children alike. They need to see you agreeing with the rules that you are setting them. Practice what you preach!

2. MAKE THE AGREEMENTS TOGETHER

If you involve your children in the discussion they are much more likely to agree to the consequences. They will have ownership on the decisions made especially if it was them that suggested it in the first place. It's a team effort!

3. SET LIMITS

Whether you limit the time or the frequency, boundaries need to be in place. No matter what, you are still the parents and consequently, still should be making the decisions that are best for your kids. This should be a given. No means no!

4. EXPLORE THE ALTERNATIVES

There are so many other exciting, fun, interesting things to do as a family that do not require technology. Trust me - there is - you just have to search it out. Whether it's a trip to the park or the zoo, or quality family time building, making or playing something, you'll soon realise that technology is not the only option...

5. THINK ABOUT THE 'WHERE'

Access to technology needs to be monitored. When it is accessed behind closed doors, you - the parent - are no longer in control. Cellphone, laptop and iPad use should be limited to public areas of your home where a quick glance is sufficient to ensure the appropriateness of the site or game that they are playing.

6. THINK ABOUT THE WHERE... AND THEN THINK AGAIN

I see kids on iPads in cars, restaurants, parks - all over the place. The iPad is seen as the new babysitter. And it's a damn good one too! However, we should still be in control - technology isn't the only answer; a novel, a toy, a game, a sketchbook are all great alternatives as is conversation. Real time, two way, verbal communication that doesn't involve thumbs, electronic devices or a wifi signal :)

Ultimately, we are teaching our children what is right and what is wrong. We are teaching them how to behave and how to make good choices and even better decisions. This is not about technology this is about basic parenting. Did YOUR parents tell you that you had enough TV, that you weren't allowed out to play until you had done your chores, that you had to put the comic down until after you had eaten? I bet they did - and I bet YOU did as you were told...!

What do YOU think? What have I missed? And what do you agree/disagree with...?

Here is the presentation (my first Haiku Deck - great webtool!) I made to introduce this to parents from our school:

This week, schools, businesses and organizations worldwide acknowledged the importance of communication online through Safer Internet Day. With the increase of online communication, cyber bullying and advertising in the world today, it is important that parents, teachers and students work together to ensure human behavior and online interaction remains positive. Common Sense Media offers excellent resources such as informative videos, advice and reviews for parents, students and teachers. As parents, this is an excellent organization to explore in order to enhance and keep up to date with your child’s interactions in the online world. Let’s remember, it is not only technology that is changing the world today, it is human behavior and technology.

Next Tuesday, February 11th is International Safer Internet Day. This is an opportunity to raise your awareness of how you and your child interact online and how to prepare for and overcome potential future challenges that could take place in the online world. Whether we are a digital immigrant or a digital native, the internet and the online world is a part of our everyday life. As adults and digital immigrants, this means that we have to learn and be up to date with the resources, tools and communication avenues which are used by our students today. This additionally emphasizes the importance of building and trustworthy relationship with your child as it is your relationship that is going to help drive your child in making appropriate, respectful decisions in the online world. This week, Tech Integration Specialist Tony Potts and Elementary School Counselor Kimberly Leiske presented to GWAPA Parents the importance of Digital Citizenship in the world today. In this presentation, they shared pertinent resources and conversation that will assist parents in learning more about the importance of life online. Parents were introduced to the GWA Digital Citizenship Weebly as an amazing tool for resources, conversation starters, videos and ongoing weekly blog posts. Share the resource with your children, friends and family. It is time to familiarize yourself and help raise awareness of the importance of online safety in the world today. This is a great way to initiate conversation with your child for Safer Internet Day this February 11th. To keep up to date with recent articles, research and Digital Citizenship findings by subscribing to our Facebook Page.